Varied Carpet Beetle

Indoors within homes, carpets, upholstered furniture, closets, attics, and outdoors in gardens on flowering plants.

Larvae feed on animal-based natural fibers such as wool, feathers, fur, silk, leather, and dead insects; adults feed on flower pollen and nectar.

Adults are attracted to light and often fly near windows. Females lay eggs near larval food sources. The larval stage causes material damage and can extend for several months to over a year before pupating.

Harmless to humans in terms of bites or disease, but larvae are household pests that damage clothing, rugs, and textiles. Their hairs can cause allergic skin reactions or dermatitis in sensitive individuals.